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Brief History
For countless centuries, Skepna Kall has stood as a sacred meeting ground, drawing together Orc tribes, Beastfolk, and other races shunned by mankind. This tribal community, akin to the Norse Althing, has evolved into the first true beast city in the annals of Feralith, and perhaps even across the entire realm of Raga.
Originally forged through brutality and a "might makes right" mentality, Skepna Kall underwent a transformative shift when Atram, the firstborn son of the renowned Orc leader Bumir, assumed leadership. Atram heeded the counsel of other races and recognized the greatest weakness of the battling tribes—their lack of unity. With newfound wisdom, he steered Skepna Kall toward a different path, fostering a spirit of cooperation among its inhabitants.
Nestled near the equator, on the fringes of the ocean, lies Myrkur Mýri, the Dark Swamp, where the beast folk city remains concealed. The inhospitable terrain and absence of conventional "valuable" resources have dissuaded the interest of common races, rendering the swamp untouched and unexplored.
To the tongues of men, elves, and other "civilized" races, the swamp holds no name; it is an enigmatic place best avoided. Legends abound, warning that those who venture into its depths never return. The tales suggest that the wisest course is to journey south, skirting the swamp through the Khiton Empire, or sail north along the coast, bypassing the treacherous jungled coastline.
Skepna Kall, a bastion of unity among disparate tribes, stands as a testament to the power of cooperation and the embracing of diversity. Within the mysterious confines of Myrkur Mýri, a hidden jewel of the beast folk thrives, its presence overlooked by those who fail to see beyond the surface. The future of this unique city, shaped by the visionary leadership of Atram, remains poised on the precipice of untold possibilities, awaiting the unfolding of its destiny in a realm fraught with uncertainty and wonder.
Prior to the Third Age
In the bygone days of the Second Age, the site where Skepna Kall now stands was nestled within the expansive boundaries of a vast inland lake. However, around 500 years ago, a cataclysmic shift in the world's equilibrium reshaped the land, causing dramatic transformations and unleashing a series of extraordinary events.
As the land mass was thrust upward by immense forces, an ancient realm from the First Age, a time of primordial creation, was unearthed. From the depths emerged remnants of creatures long forgotten, relics of the world's nascent beginnings. These awe-inspiring beings roamed free within the newly formed marshlands and swamp, as the once serene lake morphed into a labyrinthine tangle of mangroves and murky wetlands.
These ancient creatures, displaced from sundered lands, found refuge and resettled within the protected sanctuary of the swamp. As tribes and Beastfolk of the Second Age, seeking respite from their conflicts with humans, ventured into the enigmatic expanse, the meeting place of Skepna Kall gained prominence. History and traditions intertwined, shaped by the violent and volatile nature of the races that had long inhabited the region.
Amidst the alien environs of the swamp, the roots of Skepna Kall grew deep, intertwining the diverse tribes and Beastfolk with the legacy of their shared past. The trials and triumphs of their histories fostered a sense of unity and the evolution of sacred traditions within this gathering place.
Through the annals of time, Skepna Kall stood as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants, as they weathered the storms of conflict and sought solace within the uncharted depths of the swamp. As the echoes of forgotten ages resonated within its borders, Skepna Kall became a crucible where the tapestry of races wove together, their stories interlaced in the very fabric of the city's existence.
Forverar (Shamans)
The order of Forverar [“For-ver-rrr”] (“Forerunners”)
Single member is Forveri [“For-ver-ee”].
The goddess Heillandi, known as Isar, was believed to communicate with Ool'ja through the ethereal realm of stargazing. Ool'ja, an ardent devotee, would witness the divine presence of Isar in the radiant display of the Aurora, where the goddess's chaotic beauty manifested in its fullest glory. Ool'ja's heart resonated with the enigmatic power of Isar, particularly during the first warm days that marked the end of spring.
With unyielding faith, Ool'ja embraced the belief that when she remained in the favor of Heillandi, she could find solace and guidance in the cosmic tapestry of the stars. Under the influence of the goddess, Ool'ja perceived a world where desires and ambitions, fueled by lust and greed, intermingled with the natural order of things.
In this symbiotic relationship between mortals and the divine, Ool'ja reveled in the tantalizing connection she felt with the celestial forces, allowing the primal instincts of nature to guide her path.
Relationships with other Nations
Shrouded in mystery and seclusion, Skepna Kall remains an enigma to the outside world, its existence veiled in the mists of myth and legend. The formidable natural barriers that encircle the city deter major civilizations from venturing into its domain, ensuring that its secrets remain hidden from prying eyes.
While the Empire and influential factions of Feralith possess knowledge of the beast city and the surrounding lands, their interactions with Skepna Kall are marked by a delicate balance. Though occasional skirmishes and minor conflicts have erupted along the borders, neither side demonstrates a fervent desire to invade or fully engage with the other. A mutual understanding has been forged, allowing the two powers to maintain a cautious distance.
The Empire and the beast city stand as wary observers, aware of each other's presence, yet opting to keep their interactions to a minimum. Petty disputes may arise from time to time, serving as reminders of their existence, but both factions choose to remain at arm's length, acknowledging the potential consequences of deeper entanglements.
Thus, the secrets of Skepna Kall remain protected, shielded from the prying eyes and ambitious intentions of the outside world. While its allure and significance are known to some, the beast city thrives in its seclusion, its boundaries a testament to the enduring enigma that lies within its realm.
Credit:
Skepna Kall, the swamp of Myrkur Mýri, and the related Spider Peaks are all originally created by the player of Jazun from the Tales of the Berserk Spectre campaign with a few contributions from other players and some descriptive ideation from me to describe this region.
-Bobby
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